Wines Côtes-du-Rhône Château Fonsalette - 1998

Château Fonsalette 1998 is a remarkable example of a Côtes-du-Rhône red, crafted primarily from Grenache, with Syrah and a touch of Cinsault completing the blend. The 1998 vintage stands out for its excellent ripeness and structure, delivering a wine now at the peak of its maturity. The terroir of Fonsalette is defined by gravelly and sandy soils with underlying limestone, contributing both finesse and freshness to the wine. Traditional vinification methods are employed, preserving a deep sense of place and allowing the full expression of the grapes. As a result, this wine reveals layers of dark berry fruit, subtle notes of garrigue herbs, leather, liquorice, and a lingering, earthy complexity wrapped around supple tannins and a well-evolved structure.

The Côtes-du-Rhône appellation stretches along the Rhône Valley, a region renowned for its long viticultural history dating back to Roman times. The climate is typically Mediterranean, marked by hot, dry summers and the famous mistral wind, which helps to reduce disease pressure and enhance the intensity of the fruit. Soils are varied but often stony and well-drained, ideal for Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre to thrive. The region has built its reputation on generous, aromatic reds that pair approachability with depth and character.

To fully appreciate Château Fonsalette 1998, I suggest pairing it with slow-cooked or grilled meats such as lamb shoulder with rosemary, duck breast in a red wine reduction, or a classic Provençal beef stew (daube). The wine’s savoury maturity and mellow tannins will also balance richly-flavoured vegetarian dishes, like aubergine parmigiana or mushroom and lentil ragout. Regional cheeses such as Saint-Marcellin or a matured Tomme de Savoie will also complement the wine wonderfully.

Serve at 16-18°C, allowing the bottle to breathe for an hour before serving. Use large Bordeaux-style glasses to let the bouquet unfold. Given its age, decanting for 30 minutes can help dispel any sediment and further open up the aromatic palate. Enjoy this wine now to appreciate its fully matured charm.